AS Roma hoping to regain form in Champions League

AS Roma goes into its Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk desperately keen to give its season positive direction after two major losses in Serie A.

On Saturday, Claudio Ranieri's side slumped to a 2-0 loss at home to a rampant Napoli, while the week before Inter Milan ran riot in a 5-3 win at the San Siro.

Midfielder Simone Perrotta says "our enthusiasm is not at its best. I think you all know the problems, too. We're in a situation that has been dragging on for some time."

Donetsk meanwhile returns to competitive action for the first time since beating Braga on Dec. 8 to qualify for the last 16. During the winter break, the Ukrainian side played nine friendlies and won five.